| abstract |
A method for preparing 2,2-difluoroethylamine of formula (I) CHF 2 CH 2 NH 2 comprises steps (i) and (ii). In step (i), 2,2-difluoro-1-halogen ethane of general formula (II) CHF 2 -CH 2 Hal is reacted with a benzylamine compound of formula (III) in the presence of an acid scavenger, i.e. a compound that is capable of removing the hydrohalogen compound released during the reaction. In formula (II), Hal stands for chlorine, bromine or iodine, and in formula (III) R 1 stands for hydrogen or for C 1 -C 12 -alkyl, and R 2 stands for hydrogen, halogen, C 1 -C 12- alkyl or C 1 -C 6 -alkoxy. In step (ii), the N-benzyl-2,2-difluorotehane amine compound obtained in step (i) is catalytically hydrogenated to form 2,2-difluoroethylamine of formula (I) or a salt thereof. |